The Best Sweatshirts for Boys

Who doesn't have a favorite hoodie? There is just something so cozy about a sweatshirt. When the temperatures drop, layering is a must, and sweatshirts are at the top of the list. Lightweight and packable, they are the ideal clothing item for diaper bags, too, making them a practical choice for babies. Regardless of age, a quality sweatshirt is a comfy must-have. To help you get the perfect sweatshirt, we've rounded up a few of our favorites.

Hanes Boys Eco Smart Fleece Pullover

The ultimate hoodie

Cozy, comfy, and a just-right fit make this hoodie a wardrobe staple.
Best Overall

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Combining all of the elements of a favorite hoodie, this fleece pullover sweatshirt is roomy and comfy. But while that can sometimes equal a boxier fit that rides up, this sweatshirt has more fitted, ribbed cuffs that keep the sleeves and body in place, while a longer, leaner cut resists riding up. This helps to keep the core warmer, resulting in a more comfortable fit overall. It’s lightweight enough for warmer days, but warm enough to take the edge off of cooler ones.

Pros:

  • Cord-free hood for safety
  • Durable, anti-pilling, high stitch density material
  • Fade-resistant colors

Cons:

  • Runs very small, so make sure to order up one or two sizes (or three, if you’d like growing room)
  • Best fit for longer, leaner children

CM-Kid Boys Sweatshirt

Cute prints and a cozy feel

Adorable animal prints and a soft feel make this an ideal sweatshirt for animal lovers.
Best For Animal Lovers

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For boys who love animals, this is the sweatshirt that’ll take over their everyday wear. Made with ultra-soft fleece and cotton, and with plenty of options for cute animal prints, this hoodless sweatshirt will keep your youngster warm. And for those who will want to wear this day in and day out, no worries — the fabric and seams hold up well despite repeated wear and washes. With sizes available as small as 2T, there are no drawstrings, zippers, or hood to worry about as choking hazards, either.

Pros:

  • Variety of cute animal prints
  • Available in sizes from 2T – 7Y
  • Comfort-fit crew neck

Cons:

  • For best fit, size up
  • This sweatshirt will shrink with the first wash and dry

Popshion Toddler Boys Sweatshirts

Busy-boy approved

For your busy boy, this pullover style sweatshirt is a wardrobe staple.
Best For Small Kids

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Made with quality and durability in mind for those rough-and-tumble little dudes, this cotton and fleece sweatshirt is as warm as it is comfortable. Suitable for daily wear, it features a boxy, roomy fit with wide, stay-put cuffs and a crew neck that’ll keep its shape. The best part about the fit? It’s roomy enough for layering, yet with its midweight feel, it remains breathable. Since it does tend to run a tad bit small, just be sure to order up a size for best layering as well to provide some growing room.

Pros:

  • Fun prints are durable and withstand wear and tear
  • Midweight material is ideal for layering
  • No strings or hoods, making this a safe option for toddlers

Cons:

  • Make sure to wash with cold water on a gentle cycle, then lay flat to dry
  • The neck hole is a bit small for those with bigger heads

Swisswell Boys Fleece Hoodie

Extra plush and cozy

Featuring a plush sherpa liner, your youngster will be incredibly warm and cozy with this hooded sweatshirt.
Best Lined

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The only problem with this sweatshirt? It doesn’t come in a size big enough for us to steal from our son’s closet. With a relaxed fit, zip front, cozy hoodie, and an ultra-plush fleece lining, trust us: you’ll wish you could have one for yourself. Both fade- and pill-resistant, this extra-thick sweatshirt is almost like a coat, making it ideal for those cold days when a jacket is too much but a flannel isn’t quite enough. And although this is much like a lightweight coat, if you order up a size or two for proper layering, it’s the perfect top layer for extra-cold days.

Pros:

  • Fully lined through hood, body, and sleeves
  • Multiple color and pattern choices
  • In moderate climates, this acts as a cool weather coat

Cons:

  • The sleeves are a tad short
  • The zipper catches easily

Hanes Ultimate Baby Jogger with Sweatshirt Set

Even babies love sweatshirts

Keeping safety in mind with this crewneck sweatshirt, this set even comes with adorable jogger sweatpants to complete the loungewear look.
Best For Babies

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Even the littlest babies need a sweatshirt. This adorable jogger set comes in a simple cotton-poly blend and features an adjustable crewneck for safety and fit. Another cute bonus? Sweatpants. Making this the complete look for Baby’s lounging days, this set is hassle-free. There’s no zipper, hood, or drawstrings to worry about, and with a mix-and-match style, your tot will look put together for errands, too. An adjustable neck and covered cuffs round out the comfort factor.

Pros:

  • Easy pull-on closure for dressing Baby in a flash
  • Available from 0–24 months
  • Covered elastic bands and flexible cuffs for comfort

Cons:

  • The material is thin, so it’s best to layer or wear on warmer days
  • Size up for best fit

Frequently Asked Questions

Are hoodies safe for babies or toddlers?

Hooded sweatshirts, or hoodies, are generally safe for babies and toddlers so long as a few safety measures are in place. It’s important that hoodies are worn with supervision, never in a car seat, and absolutely never when sleeping. The risk for suffocation, strangulation, overheating, or SIDS is too great. Otherwise, they’re generally fine. Still nervous? Go for a crewneck sweatshirt. Luckily, there are plenty of cute options.

How many sweatshirts should a typical wardrobe have?

While this totally depends on just how casual one’s wardrobe is, it’s best to have anywhere from 1–3 sweatshirts. Mix up the look with a variety of styles, including one each of a crewneck, hoodie, and zip-front sweatshirt. Lined sweatshirts are excellent for doubling as lightweight jackets. As for babies and toddlers, a few crewneck sweatshirts are wonderful for keeping smaller bodies warm. Just make sure to avoid sweatshirts with hoods for sleeping.

About the Author

To say that Tana loves fashion is an understatement. From clothing to interior design, Tana is always on the hunt for artsy flair. And as a mom of two kids, Tana has found ways to show her children how to decorate and enjoy the imaginative world of fashion and art. Tana’s goal is to make fashion accessible and approachable for everyone, from newbies to veterans.

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